
Isabel Norsten
Specialist, Head of Sale
Sold for US$12,800 inc. premium
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Head of Department, Post-War & Contemporary Art, Los Angeles
Cataloguer
Provenance
Pace Wildenstein Gallery, New York
Acquired directly from the above by the present owner in 2007
Zhang Huan's profound exploration of Chinese history through performance and conceptual art establishes a dynamic connection to the past. His paintings act as intricate instructions for memory, delving into the cultural, political, and religious tapestry of his native China. Zhang's unique choice of materials, from feathers to taxidermied donkeys, echoes the diversity and complexity of historical narratives. Notably, his use of incense ash, embodying both detritus and religious ritual, creates a sensory experience that transcends the visual. Through the lens of this theme (Instructions for a Memory Device), Zhang Huan's artworks become living instructions, inviting viewers to engage with evolving interpretations of China's rich and multifaceted history.